Jeera Rice

Jeera Rice goes well with all vegetarian Indian Punjabi gravies. I have added corriander which makes it more aromatic and tasty and therefore can also be eaten by itself. You can also pair it with non-vegetarian gravies. It is basically an alternative to eating plain rice and the jeera in the rice helps the gastric system.

Serves: A Family of Four

Prep. Time: 10 Mins. + 20 Mins (soaking)

Cooking Time: 15 to 18 Mins.

Ingredients:

[Standard Measure – 1 cup = 200 ml.]

Basmati Rice – 1 ½ cup

Corriander Leaves (chopped finely) – ½ cup (optional)

Cumin Seeds – 1 ½ tsp.

Cinnamon – 2 x 1 inches

Green Cardamom – 1

Cloves – 6

Black Pepper Corns – 10

Bay Leaf – 1

Lime Juice – 2 tsp.

Ghee – 3 tbsp.

Salt – 1 ½ tsp.

Step 1: Wash and soak the rice for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Heat 3 ½ cups water in a vessel. Simultaneously, in another non-stick or heavy bottom vessel, heat the ghee and add the cumin seeds. Once fragrant, add cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, cloves, peppercorns and sauté for a few seconds. Drain the rice and add to the vessel. Mix the rice gently till it is coated and the grains turn transparent.

Step 3: Add the hot water you have heated in the other vessel with the lime juice and salt to the rice. Mix and cook uncovered on low heat for 3 minutes. Cover and cook further for 10 to 12 minutes till the water is absorbed. Switch off the heat and keep covered for 15 minutes.

Step 4: After 15 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork and add the corriander leaves and mix.